We have been on two Carnival cruises, both out of Galveston, and both to Mexico. These Carnival Cruises provide a nice quick 5 night getaway anytime of year. Would highly recommend booking a balcony stateroom, as the ship can be crowded, and the balcony stateroom is a wonderful tranquil Oceanfront experience at all hours.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Very busy, but mostly well organized. Be sure to get an embarkation appointment and show up on time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Carnival cruise food is improving, but still needs some work, especially with the Ludo Deck Buffet. Specialty restaurants are very good, and bars and lounges are excellent.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Lots of activities for kids, families and the young at heart. Pools, water slides and decks tend to be very crowded on "at sea" days.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Outstanding entertainment at all venues. Something for everyone!
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Excellent service from all main dining room personnel, Bar and Lounge personnel, and especially the cruise director.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship design and layout is very good. The Carnival Dream was one of the first of the large multiple deck atrium designed chips for Carnival Cruise Lines. It was refreshed a few years ago, and because of the use of so many people on short cruises, it appears to be in need of another refresh in a number of areas. These include the Lido deck, stateroom areas, and some recreacion venues.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabins on Carnival tend to be a bit on the small size oh, but ours was adequate for a 5-night cruise. Stateroom is showing its wear, but was comfortable. Balcony was adequate and our stateroom Steward was excellent.
Ship tip
Carnival Cruise Line is a budget-friendly operation. You get excellent value for the price point on all of their cruises. However, keep in mind that this is not a luxury Cruise Line. Do not expect tablecloths in the dining room, fine china, or Exquisite Furnishings in either the staterooms or common areas. as the saying goes you get what you pay for. Carnival offers great value for families who are on a strict budget. Expect to see lots of families and kids all over the ship. They are very crowded during spring break, the summer months, and major holiday periods.
I’m always curious why some don’t leave the ship at ports. Even if you have been there several times, there is always something worth doing in every port.
ONLY 3 STARS????? You rated ports of call badly even though you did not leave ship. I think you were being very unfair to Carnival. Love the Dream and Carnival
Been on the Dream with family a year and a half ago during the first week of July. It was a great first time experience for me then. Thanks for the review
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